Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Memorable Past Review

By (Urban Studies/Affairs., Barnard College) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/12/2012 with

SIT Study Abroad: IHP Health and Community - Globalization, Culture and Care

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a group of amazing friends, and met some great people throughout the world. It was more than worthwhile, I wish I could do it all over again almost everyday .

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration in India was horrible. However, in South Africa and New Orleans the host country program coordinators were incredible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was never uncomfortable, nor did I have bad experiences with any of my numerous host families.

* Food:

This is very dependent on your host family. I had a very positive experience, while some of my peers did not.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This depended on the country/ culture in India we were very sheltered but I still feel like I had an authentic experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Overall this was good except we stayed in an area that had HIGH rates of TB which worried me.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

This was very dependent on the country, but overall it was easy to live on a student budget

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? We had to buy our own lunch/ snacks so about 5 or less dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy most of your gifts in the least expensive location ie: India, and pack lunch somedays

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The People
  • The Places
  • My Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • The Faculty
  • The Structure
  • India Program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would need to be extremely flexible, and to buy all of my gifts in the least expensive country ie: India. Also to do frequent flier miles!!!